Posted: Monday 5 December 2011
The George & Thomas Hutcheson Awards
The George and Thomas Hutcheson Awards were established in 1997 by the School and FP Council in recognition of Hutchesonians regarded by their peers as inspirational figures.
The 2011 winners have been announced as esteemed crime author Sandra McGruther (née Lang) aka Alex Gray (C1968) and wildlife producer, writer and journalist Dr Kenneth Taylor (C1972). They received their awards at a special ceremony at the school on Friday 2 December.
Pictured from left: Alistair Marr - President of the FP Council, Dr Kenneth Taylor, Rector Dr Ken Greig, Sandra McGruther and Chairman David Dobson.
Lara Gilmour and Lawrie Carlaw of S6 joined the senior half of the school (4th, 5th, and 6th year) and guests at the award ceremony and here they report on their experience of the event:
There was no Talking Points for 6th year last Friday, December 2nd, but we were instead invited to the 2011 George and Thomas Hutcheson (G&T) Awards. This year the awards were received by Sandra McGruther (class of 1968) and Dr Kenneth Taylor (class of 1972).
Introduced by Head Boy James Malcolm, Sandra McGruther, a famous author who uses the name Alex Gray for her books, told the story of the founders to the Hutchesonians gathered to watch. Many there did not know the story as those who did not attend Kingarth Street primary school (or Lilybank) would never have been fortunate enough to sing the Hutchesons’ song. She also delivered the message that every student has their own strong point. She herself struggled with mathematics, but always enjoyed English, and wrote with a flair that was spotted as early as primary school by her teacher. The message basically pointed out that even if you do not attain the best exam results, or do not follow the paths that the majority of people in Hutchesons’ do, you should stick to what you enjoy, and know best. She enjoys her lifestyle as an author, and has become successful, which makes her a role model for the pupils, and a most deserved winner of the award.
Dr Kenneth Taylor was welcomed by the Head Girl Kate Cameron, and he chose to discuss his first impression of the school. Clearly an imaginative young boy, Dr Taylor first pictured Hutchie as a Sci-Fi-style station, covered in snow, and standing at the ready to tackle the problems of the universe. Unfortunately for him he soon learned that it was a school full of teachers. However he battled on and went on to become a wildlife producer, writer and journalist. He highlighted that he agreed with Sandra McGruther in the sense that you should do what you want, and not what people think you should do. This seemed to be the recurring theme and it has to bear a large amount of sense as both of these people have become very distinguished and successful.
It was definitely an interesting change to Friday period 4, and a great chance to see applied Hutchesons’ knowledge, which undoubtedly strengthens the confidence of those moving forward into higher education.